Tupac Inspired Broadway Musical “Holler If Ya Hear Me” Closed!

The hip hop infused broadway musical “Holler If Ya hear Me,” delivered not only a love story but realistic emotions of the streets to Broadway.

Although, some were very critical of the use of Tupac’s music and lyrics, others seemed to embrace the show and Tupac’s more poetic side. Sad to say, the production’s last show was July 20th. So if you didn’t get a chance to see if, you probably missed out on a gem.

On opening night, Broadway.com interviewed the cast, director and couple celebs after the performance. One of the interviewees was in fact Tupac’s brother, Mopreme Shakur. He briefly shed some light that he and the late rapper were well involved in the arts at a young age.

Rolling Stone writer, Jason Newman, grasped some insight from cast member, Saul Williams, on why the production didn’t last long.

Williams said, “One of our producers came in really angry because he had spoken to one of the TKTS people [who man Broadway ticket-selling booths] — not saying she was a producer — and asked them, “What about Holler? Should I see that?” And the response of the person who is supposed to guide tourists to plays stated that ‘It’s a bit of a downer. It’s not necessarily as fun as’ whatever other play they mentioned.”

Furthermore, he led into a comment that Harry Belafonte told him after the show, expressing that “you took an afrocentric-themed play and placed it on a eurocentric stage. The problems you’ll face are larger than you think.”

Is the reason for the production closing early deeper than just financial issues?

Overall, cast members emphasized on the shows huge success inside the theatre. With standing ovations after every performance; a crowd sing-a-long to “California Love” had the atmosphere grooving. The talented cast seemed to have had enjoyed the experience while it lasted.

More importantly, to even have Tupac’s work be brought so far from a lyrical aspect to an actual live show is something worth noting down as another accomplishment of Hip-Hop.